Former NFL running back Joe McKnight was killed outside New Orleans on Thursday in an apparent road rage shooting.

"At approximately 2:43 p.m. today we received a call of a shooting that occurred here at Holmes [Boulevard] and Behrman Highway [in Terrytown]," Jefferson Parish Sheriff Newell Normand told ESPN. "Our officers arrived on the scene and immediately began giving CPR to an individual who was shot and lying on the ground, with EMS and others assisting at this location."

The individual who was shot and later pronounced dead was identified as Joe McKnight.

McKnight, 28, played three seasons of football at USC from 2007-2009 under current Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, before he was drafted by the New York Jets in 2010. McKnight played for the Jets until he was released in 2013. He spent the 2014 season, his last NFL season, with the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Joe McKnight was a loving father and a genuine, kind-hearted person," the Jets wrote in a statement, according to USA Today. "It is sad when life is taken in what appears to be such a senseless act of violence. Joe, you will be missed."

Following the news of his death, several NFL players, former teammates and coaches — including Carroll — expressed their shock on Twitter.

Deeply saddened by the loss of Joe McKnight. This is a terrible tragedy. Everyone loved Joe and we are going to really miss him.

Just got a message saying my former teammate Joe McKnight was killed today. This hurt to the heart. I can't stop crying. #RestInPeace

RIP my brother Joe McKnight this one hurts bad

Rest in peace, Joe McKnight. Our thoughts and condolences are with his loved ones.

Damn...just reading the news about Joe McKnight! Just senseless violence man, great teammate &amp; sense of humor. Rest in power....

Everybody in the world wanted to be @ReggieBush , us in New Orleans wanted to run the ball like Joe McKnight.